Our People
Join Us in this Campaign!
The Bold Vision Bright Future campaign has been built around a community of supporters – hundreds of individuals who have provided generous gifts and lent their time and talent to the leadership team. With each benefactor and each gift, the goal of building up our campus and bolstering our endowment comes more clearly into focus.See our leadership and hear from some of those who have already committed to this mission!
See our leadership and hear from some of those who have already committed to this mission!
NOW IS THE TIME. HELP LEAD THE WAY.
Since our founding, Memphis University School visionaries have sown seeds to provide for the great school our students now enjoy. Through Bold Vision Bright Future, we have the opportunity to invest in the MUS boys of tomorrow.
To contribute or learn more, contact Assistant Head for Advancement Perry Dement at Perry.Dement@musowls.org or (901) 260-1353.
A Message from Headmaster Pete Sanders
Long before I first stepped onto the Memphis University School campus, I heard about the school’s tradition of excellence. When I joined MUS as headmaster in 2017, I saw the myriad reasons for that reputation, especially a community of students, alumni, teachers, trustees, and parents who believe in our school and our mission. As I recognized how our alumni work to build up the city and region, it quickly became apparent that MUS is essential to Memphis. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to the Bold Vision Bright Future campaign as well as to those who will give in the future. Your generosity ensures MUS excellence, vision, and leadership for years to come.
Veritas Honorque,
Pete
Leadership Committees
Table of Leadership Committees
| Campaign Chairs |
Faculty and Staff Gifts Committee
|
Prospect Review
Committee |
| Courtney and Fred Schaeffer ’88 |
Lin Askew Grant Burke Jenny Byers |
Will Thompson ’95, Chair
Jim Burnett ’83
Perry Dement
Trow Gillespie ’65*
Sam Graham ’80
Wilson Moore ’96
Fred Schaeffer ’88
|
|
Honorary Chairs
|
Pacesetter Gifts Committee |
Communications Committee |
| Ben Adams ’74 Trow Gillespie ’65* Sam Graham ’80 Bob Loeb ’73 Kent Wunderlich ’66* |
Bill Dunavant ’78,
Co-Chair Trow Gillespie ’65*, Co-Chair Jim Burnett ’83 Perry Dement Mark Halperin ’67 Fred Schaeffer ’88 Will Thompson ’95 Bill Townsend ’78 |
Margaret McLean, Chair Galloway Allbright ’98 Liz Copeland Michele Ehrhart McKee Humphreys ’01 Margaret Martin Paul Morris ’92 Laura Russell Jennilynn Utkov |
| Campaign Steering Committee |
Major Gifts Committee |
Stewardship Committee |
| Trow Gillespie ’65*, Chair Jim Burnett ’83 Perry Dement Bill Dunavant ’78 Sam Graham ’80 Mark Halperin ’67 Martha Hess Margaret McLean Pete Sanders Fred Schaeffer ’88 Will Thompson ’95 Philip Wunderlich ’90 |
Martha and Mike Hess, Lynn and Jonathan Rowe '90
Co-Chairs
Carrie Benitone
Trevor Benitone ’91
Rusty Bloodworth '63
Jennifer Brezina Paul Brezina
Tommie Dunavant
Paige Gillespie
Paul Gillespie ’01
Chip Grayson '78 Justin Grinder ’97
McKee Humphreys '01 Keith Ingram '73 John Jefferies
Shari Jefferies
Harvey Kay '01 Collie Krausnick '79 Maggie Lovell Richard Mattern
Shannon Mattern
Amber McCabe DJ McCabe
Rebekah Shappley
Rusty Shappley ’96
Foster Smith '98 Sarah Watkins
Trey Watkins ’91
David Willmott '88 |
Brett Grinder ’91, Chair Jeffrey Block ’94 Met Crump ’60 Neely Mallory ’07 Jeff Meskin |
| Campaign Counsel |
Leadership Gifts Committee | |
| Kristina Carlson Ben Hoke |
|
Jim Burnett ’83, Chair
Bill Dunavant ’78
Trow Gillespie ’65
Sam Graham ’80
Mark Halperin ’67
Fred Schaeffer ’88
Will Thompson ’95
|
*In Memoriam
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the BVBF campaign being launched now?
In 2020 MUS completed a new strategic plan, Legacy Forward, that focused on the possibilities for the future of MUS. The Bold Vision Bright Future campaign is part of the strategic plan’s mandate to grow the endowment and enhance the campus facilities, ensuring they reflect the school’s high standards of academic excellence. This campaign aims to secure the school’s financial future and provide a physical environment that supports and strengthens our commitment to academic rigor and student success.
MUS has not conducted a comprehensive capital campaign for nearly a quarter century. Bold Vision Bright Future is a transformational campaign that addresses the school’s needs well into this century.
What are the goals of the Bold Vision Bright Future campaign?
The campaign focuses on two priorities:
Building a Bright Future by creating new spaces and renovating existing buildings to ensure that our facilities match the excellence of our academic, arts, and athletic programs. New spaces include a Library and Technology Center; Lower School; Science Center; Visual Art, Music, and Performing Arts Center; Indoor Turf Field and Fitness Center; and a Baseball Fieldhouse.
Sustaining the Mission by growing the endowment, thus strengthening our long-term financial foundation. This will provide the flexibility to maintain excellence and enhance programs, curricula, and campus resources, while keeping MUS affordable and competitive in the Mid-South. A larger endowment will help recruit and retain exceptional faculty, increase need-based financial aid, and support our continued growth.
Who is leading the BVBF campaign?
Courtney and Fred Schaeffer ’88 are serving as BVBF campaign chairs. Jim Burnett ’83 is the chair of the Leadership Gifts Committee, and Trow Gillespie ’65* and Bill Dunavant ’78 are co-chairs for the Pacesetter Gifts Committee. In addition, alumni parents Mike and Martha Hess and current parents Lynn and Jonathan Rowe ’90 are serving as co-chairs of the Major Gifts Committee. These dedicated volunteer leaders are working closely with Headmaster Pete Sanders, Assistant Head for Advancement Perry Dement, the Advancement Office, and expansive sub-committees to orchestrate the campaign.
* In Memoriam
How was the financial goal determined?
In November 2021 MUS hired Carter, a global philanthropic consulting firm, to conduct a feasibility study and provide counsel during the BVBF capital and endowment campaign. The Carter Group completed an internal assessment of advancement strengths and areas for growth; a planning study including interviews, a focus group, and web survey; and a screening of the estimated philanthropic interest of MUS alumni, parents, and friends. The Carter Group’s findings indicated that MUS had the potential for a successful campaign. The Board of Trustees carefully considered Carter’s recommendations and helped meet initial important milestones, including early financial commitments from every Board member, totaling $35.7 million.
The $200 million goal is a combination of the cost of construction for buildings and an enhanced endowment.
| Campaign Priority | Initiatives | Funds Needed |
| Building the Future | Library and Technology CenterLower SchoolScience CenterAthletic ComplexFine Arts FacilityBaseball Fieldhouse | $ 150 million |
| Sustaining the Mission | Financial AssistanceProgram InnovationFaculty ExcellencePlant MaintenanceFinancial Security | $ 50 million |
| $ 200 million |
To date, how much money has been raised?
See our Progress Page for the latest tally.
Will the school borrow money?
The Board of Trustees and school leaders are focused on securing enough philanthropic support to minimize the need for borrowing funds to finance construction. Based on a recent feasibility study and strong early backing, we are confident that the MUS community will prioritize this campaign, allowing us to complete all projects outlined in the Campus Master Plan.
However, if sufficient support is not raised in time, the Trustees may need to consider borrowing funds to move forward with construction. The Board also has plans to phase construction to be as fiscally prudent as possible.
This is why we are calling on everyone in the MUS community to come together during this pivotal moment in the school’s history. Your support will help shape the future of MUS and ensure that we leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
May campaign pledges be paid over time?
Yes. Campaign gifts may be paid over five-plus tax years or a timeline that suits a donor’s interests.
May I allocate my pledge to specific campaign priorities?
While you can allocate your campaign contribution toward the endowment or new facilities, an unrestricted gift will allow for the phases of construction to occur more quickly.
When is construction expected to start and how long will it last?
The Board of Trustees voted at their May 2025 meeting to begin construction, which is anticipated to begin by June 2025 and is expected to continue through three phases into fall 2027.
What are the construction phases?
Phase I will include the demolition of the library and construction of the arts and sciences building. A Park Avenue entrance and guard house are also part of Phase I.
Phase II, which will begin upon the completion of Phase I, consists of the construction of the Lower School and the library and technology center.
Phase III includes the indoor turf field and fitness center, baseball field house, as well as improvements to Humphreys Hall and the Sue H. Hyde Sports and Physical Education Center. Construction will begin upon completion of Phase II, although there is potential to begin when the campaign goal is met.
With the library demolition, will library services be available?
Yes. In the summer of 2025, the library will be relocated to a space in the Campus Center, and library services will continue. A new, state-of-the-art library and tech center will be constructed in Phase 2 of the campus plan.
Are there opportunities for donors to name spaces or programs with a gift?
Yes. Click HERE to see current naming opportunities.
May I make an estate pledge?
Yes. MUS may be included in your estate planning. Click HERE for information on a variety of ways to consider donating through an estate.
Whom do I contact to discuss a campaign gift?
Please contact Assistant Head for Advancement Perry Dement at (901) 260-1353 or Perry.Dement@musowls.org.